Window Structure For Inhibiting Flood Waters

ABSTRACT

A flood barrier system for windows for inhibiting a water breach into a residential or commercial structure. The flood barrier is adapted to fit within a retaining wall cavity using a sealing mechanism that expands so as to stop water intrusion. The barrier operates with an extruded frame having vertical reveal members and high strength glass. A sealing joint is fitted about the retaining wall and the flood barrier&#39;s vertical reveal members for inhibition of flood seepage. The sealing joint, having at least two surfaces forming an open end and a tapered end, is anchored at the bottom wall of the extruded frame member and about the glass flood barrier&#39;s vertical reveal members at least 12 inches above the base flood elevation level.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to flood barriers and, moreparticularly, to an improvement in window construction that inhibitsflood waters from entering a structure by mechanically sealing aproperly constructed and engineered window frame to a retaining wall.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Floods are a common in areas that do not have adequate drainage tohandle a high influx of water. Unfortunately, whether an area issusceptible to flooding may change from year to year due to drainagechanges as a result of construction, forest growth, river silting, andthe like. Further, climate change has made the possibility of a “100year” flood an event that can now happen in any given year.Unfortunately, it is not possible to predict how much water a floodingevent will produce, for the flooding may be caused by upriver snowmeltor rain, locally heavy rainfall, high winds, and similar events thatcause water stacking, a drainage malfunction, or the like any of whichmay cause flood waters to breech a building structure.

Flooding may not damage a building structure but it can be devastatingon the contents within the building should water be allowed to enter thestructure. The severity of the damage depends not only on the amount ofwater that accumulates within a building structure in a period of time,but also on the ability of the property owner to quickly remove thewater within. Standing water of only an inch deep is sufficient todestroy the contents within the building structure should mold beallowed to take hold.

Most buildings are designed to keep out rain, but they are notnecessarily designed to keep out flood water. The news channels arefilled with pictures of a community banding together to save thebuilding structures, if not the entire town, by the use of sandbags toredirect flood waters. If the pressure is substantially high or thewater level is high enough then loads of water will seep past thesandbags and flood the area. The pressure exerted by the flowing floodwater is the difference in water volume. The bigger the differencebetween the water volume across an area, the greater the force of themovement.

The potential for seepage within a building enclosure is so prevalentand difficult to prevent that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers inChapter 7, Section 701.1.1 of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ‘FloodProofing Regulations’ has specified standards of performance andworkmanship in Type 2 Closures in which they allowed “slight seepage”during hydrodynamic and hydrostatic pressure flood conditions in aSpecial Flood Hazard Zone.

The potential risks from a flood may be mitigated by taking thenecessary steps such as causing the structure to resist the flooding.Flood proofing is a combination of adjustments and/or additions offeatures to individual buildings that are designed to eliminate orreduce the potential for flood damage. Flood proofing techniques can beclassified on the basis of type of protection that is provided asfollows: Type 1: permanent measures (always in-place, requires no actionif flooding occurs); Type 2: contingent measures (requiring installationat the site when flooding occurs); and Type 3: emergency measures(improvised at the site when flooding occurs).

Emergency flood proofing measures include techniques that can beinitiated on relatively short notice. Emergency methods to preventflooding include sandbag dikes, stop log barriers, and earth-fill cribretaining walls. The primary advantage of an emergency method is therelatively low implementation cost. The principle disadvantage ofemergency measures is that sufficient advance warning is required tomobilize personnel and install emergency barriers. Most emergency floodproofing methods require extensive labor force, depend on theavailability of heavy machinery and trained operators on short notice,and necessitate a large amount of storage space. Furthermore, if themagnitude or the rate of the rise of a flood is misjudged the emergencyflood proofing techniques fail. Not to mention aesthetically anyemergency flood proofing measure is difficult to bear if left for longperiods of time. Another disadvantage is that emergency measures do notsatisfy the minimum requirements for watertight flood proofing as setforth by the National Flood Insurance Program for the protection of anexisting construction.

Contingent measures such as flood shields and flood walls are watertightbarriers designed to prevent the passage of water through doors,windows, or any other opening in a building structure exposed toflooding. Flood shields are usually installed only when flooding isimminent. Normally some type of gasket or seal is required to ensurethat the shield is water tight. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,943,832,“Flood or Storm Resistant Barriers for Doorways or Window Opening”discloses a frame having two parts, one of the frame parts havingportions in telescopic engagement with the other frame part, and amanually operable jack mounted between the two frame parts and operableto move the two frame parts relative to one another to vary an externaldimension of the frame and thereby enable the frame to be secured in adoorway or window opening by expansion of the frame into engagement withopposed surfaces of the doorway or window opening. However, the operablejack is exposed to the elements and susceptible to corrosion; thisdevice requires proper maintenance to insure integrity.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,796,010 entitled “Pneumatically Sealable Flood PanelAssembly” discloses a flood panel assembly for installation in doorwaysto improve water-tight integrity under moderate flood conditionscomprising of a conversion frame structure permanently installed intothe access opening, and a removable panel arranged to be inserted in theconversion frame and arranged to establish a water-tight associationwith the conversion frame. The removable flood panel is provided aboutits edges with an inflatable sealing element, which is normally in adeflated condition. When the flood panel is installed in the conversionframe, it is initially locked in position and the sealing element isthereafter inflated, causing it to expand and provide a water-tightseal. Unfortunately, these flood shield devices are expensive, properstorage is required, and tools are needed for proper installation.

Movable floodwalls consist of a flood barrier which is hinged along thebottom so that it can be lowered to a horizontal position to fit flushwith existing ground or pavement. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 5,077,945“Doorway Flood Barrier” discloses a doorway mounted flood barrierincluding a barrier wall having two opposite vertical side edges and ahorizontal bottom edge, and retainer means disposed between the barrierwall and lower portion of the doorway for holding the barrier wallsealingly in the lower portion of the doorway. Again, movable floodwalldevices are expensive and require proper maintenance.

Permanent flood proofing measures include closures and sealants, andfloodwalls and levees. Permanent floodwalls and levees measures arealternatives for protecting a large area or a number of structures, theycan be a practical and economical flood proofing technique forprotecting single or small groups of structures.

Permanent closure and sealant measures basically involve filling anexisting window or opening with some form of water-resistant materialsuch as concrete or sealant. A sealant is a water proof coating that canbe applied to the outside of an existing wall to eliminate the wall'spermeability. This coating is generally an asphalt-based or polymericcompound that can be painted or sprayed onto the wall. For example, theamount of pressure exerted on a window pane during a flood may be a loadthe window pane cannot handle. The breached window pane provides a pointof entry for wind or water whereby the water enters the buildingstructure and causes severe damage to the infrastructure of the home,upholstery, and furniture and eventually causing sever molding.Therefore, it takes the entire window system to make a seal proofopening within the window cavity. The impact resistant window pane mayprovide protection from wind, missiles, debris, and water against thewindow pane but if the frame is not properly installed a load could hitthe window pane and cause the entire frame to come off the retainingwall defining a window cavity. Aside from the window pane and framebeing susceptible to being struck or blown in by flood water, the gapbetween the window frame and the retaining wall is especiallyvulnerable. Water seeping into the building structure through the areabetween the frame and retaining wall in which it was installed presentsa glaring problem. Caulking, such as silicone, polyurethane, andpolysulfide, is a sealant means in which the frame of the window frameis attached to the retaining wall, thereby filling the gap between theretaining wall and the window frame and attempting to eliminatepermeability. However, caulking is brittle and cleaves easily due toexposure to UV light, which can lead to failure over time. Caulking isparticularly susceptible to environmental temperature as it expands andcontracts leaving potential openings within the gap. During a flood,water pressure builds up on the window frame and the caulking, if thecaulking is brittle the water pressure may be such that it surgesthrough the caulking and enters the building structure.

While these prior art techniques may be suitable for the particularpurpose to which they address, they do not present a method ofinhibiting flood water entry into a structure about a window frame.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The instant invention is a flood barrier system for window openings. Theflood barrier comprises an improved window structure having an extrudedframe, a high strength laminated glass panel, a mechanical seal, and anoptional reinforcement member. The extruded frame includes a top wall, abottom wall, and a set of parallel sidewalls or reveal members, theinner surfaces of which define a viewing aperture on a horizontal plane.On the sidewalls on the extruded frame is attached the mechanical seal.The glass panel is attached to the front surface of the extruded frameby a gasket and sealant. And should the flood barrier system requirefurther structural support a reinforcement member maybe positionedwithin the extruded frame member. The reinforcement member may extendfrom the top wall to the bottom wall and intersect the viewing apertureor may extend from one reveal member to the other and intersect theviewing aperture.

The mechanical seal is installed for inhibition of flood seepage. Themechanical seal has at least two surfaces forming an open end and atapered end. The tapered end of the mechanical seal has two surfacesjoined together forming some angle thereinbetween. A mechanical seal isanchored to each of the frame's sidewalls at least 12 inches above thebase flood elevation level and abuts the window opening. And anothermechanical seal is anchored to the frame's bottom wall and abuts a flooron the window opening.

Expansion of the mechanical seal may occur upon a force being receivedwithin the open end of the mechanical seal and exerted on the taperedend of the mechanical seal. When the mechanical seal expands themechanical seal wedges further between the window opening and the framefor inhibition of flood seepage.

Accordingly, it is an objective of the present invention to provide aflood barrier system for first floor windows where the property ownerneed not have to perform regular maintenance or perform manual labor inpreparation for a disaster to protect the building contents.Alternatively, the flood barrier system may be installed from the groundfloor for building structures in coastal areas erected on stilts.

It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a floodbarrier system for windows that is hydrostatic pressure resistant. Theflood barrier conforms to the criteria for resisting lateral forces dueto hydrostatic pressure from freestanding water as set forth by FEMA.

It is an objective of the present invention to provide a flood barriersystem that is capable of resisting a 1000 lb. object at minimumvelocity of 8 ft/sec as set forth by FEMA.

It is an objective of the present invention to provide a flood barriersystem satisfying the flood certificate requirements set forth by theNational Flood Insurance Program developed by FEMA for use incertification of non-residential flood proofing designs.

It is an objective of the present invention to provide a flood barriersystem whereby the mechanical seal is memory shaped to expand when aforce is introduced therethrough and return a substantially originalposition.

It is an objective of the present invention to provide a flood barriersystem where the viewing aperture may contain a vertical or horizontalmullion structures or any combination thereof within the viewingaperture. The mullion structures form a grid-like pattern producing aplurality of viewing openings within the viewing aperture.

It is an objective of the present invention to provide a glass floodbarrier system that can be adapted to any building opening comprising ofexisting slabs and walls openings capable of supporting a flood beforethe flood barrier system is installed.

Other objectives and advantages of this invention will become apparentfrom the following description taken in conjunction with anyaccompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration andexample, certain embodiments of this invention. Any drawings containedherein constitute a part of this specification and include exemplaryembodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects andfeatures thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a cross sectional top view of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional top view alternative embodiment of theviewing aperture the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an end view of the mechanical seal f the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the mechanical seal of the presentinvention; and

FIGS. 6-9 are a top view of alternative embodiments of the securement ofthe mechanical seal to the frame of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Detailed embodiments of the instant invention are disclosed herein,however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments aremerely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in variousforms. Therefore, specific functional and structural details disclosedherein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis forthe claims and as a representation basis for teaching one skilled in theart to variously employ the present invention in virtually anyappropriately detailed structure.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-5, wherein like components are numberedconsistently throughout, an improvement in window construction, hereinknown as a flood barrier system 1. The system 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1-2comprises of a frame member 10 and a mechanical seal 30. The floodbarrier system 1 is constructed to adapt into a cavity or window opening11 in a building structure. The frame 10 includes a top wall 12, abottom wall 14, and two substantially parallel sidewalls 16 and 18. Thesidewalls 16 and 18 are typically known in the art as vertical revealmembers 16 and 18. The frame 10 further has an outer surface 20 sizedfor placement within a window opening 11 of a building structure and aninner surface 22 defining a viewing aperture 24. The frame also includesa front surface 26 positioned toward an exterior of the buildingstructure and a back surface 28 positioned toward an interior of thebuilding structure. The viewing aperture 24 is on a horizontal planetherein between the inner surface 22 of the reveal members 16 and 18,and the inner surfaces 22 of the top wall 12 and bottom wall 14.Preferably, each member comprising the frame 10 (top wall 12, bottomwall 14, and reveal members 16 and 18) be constructed of extrudedaluminum. However, to provide greater structural integrity rigid crossmembers maybe positioned therein the extruded members to providestructural support (not shown).

Should the flood barrier require further structural support, areinforcement member 60 may be positioned within the extruded frame 10.As shown in FIG. 3, the vertical reinforcement member 60 extends fromthe top wall 12 to the bottom wall 14 and intersects the viewingaperture 24. More specifically, the vertical reinforcement member 60 ispositioned between the reveal members 16 and 18 of the frame 10,traversing the viewing aperture 24, and intersecting the top wall 12 andbottom wall 14 of the frame 10. The vertical reinforcement member 60attaches to the inner surface 22 of the top wall 12 and the bottom wall14 or the vertical reinforcement member 60 may traverse the top wall 12and the bottom 14 up to the outer surface 20. Alternatively, ahorizontal reinforcement member 60 may be positioned within the extrudedframe 10 extending from one reveal member 16 to an opposite revealmember 18 and intersecting the viewing aperture 24 (not shown). Morespecifically, the horizontal reinforcement member 60 is positionedbetween the top wall 12 and bottom wall 14 of the frame 10, traversingthe viewing aperture 24, and intersecting the reveal member 16 and 18 ofthe frame 10. The horizontal reinforcement member 60 attaches to theinner surfaces 22 of each reveal member 16. Preferably, thereinforcement member 60 is constructed of extruded aluminum.

As shown in FIGS. 1-2, along the front surface 26 of the frame 10 isattached a glass panel 25. In the preferred embodiment, the glass panel25 is a high impact glass and should be a minimum of 9/16 inches inthickness to provide sufficient impact resistance. The attachment meansof the high strength glass 25 to the front surface 26 of the frame 10includes a gasket 27 and a water resistant sealant 29. Laminated highimpact glass panel 25 is preferred because should the glass break, thelaminate serves to keep the glass fragments in place, whereas when asingle glass pane is used without a laminate and the glass breaks waterpenetrates within. The high strength laminated glass panel 25 must havethe structural capacity to resist forces imposed by flood waters becausethe majority of the surface area of the flood barrier system 1 thatresists the forces of the flood water is taken up by the high strengthlaminated glass panel 25.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2 the viewing aperture 24 may contain atleast one mullion member 50. The mullion members 50 are verticalstructures 52 and horizontal structures 54 that divide the viewingaperture 24 into smaller viewing opening 56 forming a grid-like pattern.The vertical mullion structures 52 extend from the inner surface 22 ofthe top wall 12 to the inner surface 22 of the bottom wall 14 on theframe 10. The horizontal mullion structures 54 extend from the innersurface of one reveal member 16 to the inner surface of an oppositereveal member 18. If a vertical reinforcement member 60 is used with theflood barrier system 1 then the horizontal mullion structure 54 extendsfrom the inner surface 22 of a reveal member 16 and 18 on the frame 10to an outer surface of a sidewall on the reinforcement member 60 (notshown). If a horizontal reinforcement member 60 is used with the floodbarrier system 1 then the vertical mullion structure 52 extends from theinner surface 22 of the top wall 12 or the bottom wall 14 on the frame10 to an outer surface of a sidewall on the reinforcement member 60 (notshown).

Because of building tolerances and imperfections there are typicallygaps 8 left thereinbetween the frame 10 and the window opening 11. Toinhibit a breach within the gaps 8 a mechanical seal 30 is positioned atthe bottom wall 14 of the frame 10 and the floor 9 of the window opening11, and about the frame's reveal members 16 and 18, up to 12 inchesabove the base flood elevation level as set forth by FEMA and the windowopening 11, as shown in FIGS. 1-2. The window opening 11 generallyconsists of two sets of substantially parallel structures, known hereinas retaining walls. Abutting the uppermost parallel structure on thewindow opening 11 is the top wall 15 of the frame 14, abutting thelowermost parallel structure (or floor 9) on the window opening 11 is ahorizontally oriented mechanical seal 30, and abutting the two remainingparallel structures 7 on the window opening 11 are vertically orientedmechanical seals 30. The mechanical seals 30 inhibit the passage ofwind, missiles, debris, and water into the building structure. Forinstallation purposes, the glass panel 25 and mechanical seals 30 areanchored to the frame 10 before the flood barrier system 1 is placedwithin the window opening 11.

Each vertically oriented mechanical seal 30 extends to a height of up to12 inches above the base flood elevation level as set forth by FEMA. Thebase flood elevation level is defined as the elevation (normallymeasured in feet above sea level) that the base flood is expected toreach as determined by FEMA. The vertically oriented mechanical seal 30is secured to the outer surface 20 of the reveal members 16 and 18. Thehorizontally oriented mechanical seal 30 extends along the floor 9 ofthe window opening 11 from one retaining wall 7 on the window opening 11to the opposite retaining wall 7 on the window opening 11. Thehorizontally oriented mechanical seal is secured to the bottom wall 16of the frame 14 (not shown).

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate the mechanical seal 30. The mechanical seal 30has a tapered end 32 and an open end 34. The open end 34 is facing theexterior of the building structure and the tapered end 32 is facing theinterior of the building structure as illustrated in FIGS. 1-2. Themechanical seal 30 shown is substantially V-shaped; however, it iscontemplated that the mechanical seal may be U-shaped or J-shaped. Themechanical seal 30 comprises of three surfaces. The first surface 36 ofthe vertically oriented mechanical seal 30 abuts each outer surface 20of the reveal member 16 and 18 and the first surface 36 horizontallyoriented mechanical seal 30 abuts the outer surface 20 of the frame'sbottom wall 14. The first surface 36 has one end terminating at the openend 34 and opposite end terminating at the tapered end 32 and connectingto a second surface endpoint 42. The third surface 38 of the verticallyoriented mechanical seal 30 abuts the vertical parallel structures 7 onthe window opening 11 and the third surface 38 on the horizontallyoriented mechanical seal 30 abuts the floor 9 on the window opening 11.The third surface 38 has one end terminating at the open end 34 andopposite end of the third surface 38 connecting to a second surfaceendpoint 44. The first surface 36 and third surface 38 are substantiallyparallel to each other forming an original position. The second surface40 has two endpoints, 42 and 44. The first endpoint 42 terminates at theopposite end of the first surface 36. This intersection of the first andsecond surface is the tapered end 32 of the joint 30. The first surface36 and the second surface 40 form an angle thereinbetween. The secondendpoint 44 of the second surface 40 terminates at the opposite end ofthe third surface 38. The third surface 38 does not extend beyond thelength of the first surface 36.

To secure the mechanical seal 30 to the frame 10 various methods may beemployed, as shown in FIGS. 6-9. The following methods are exemplary andshould not be held as limiting. One method of securement includes waterresistant sealant, such as caulking, on the exterior surface 46 of themechanical seal 30 between the first surface 36 of the mechanical seal30 and reveal members 16 and 18. Another method for securement of themechanical seal 30 to the frame 10 includes fasteners such as rivets,stainless steel metal screws, or the like. Also contemplated aresecurement means such as an extruded raceway 70, a snap lock fastener80, or a wedge ramp lock. As shown in FIG. 7,an extruded raceway 70allows for slidable engagement of the mechanical seal 30 into the frame10 or slidable engagement of the frame 10 into the mechanical seal 30using a stem 72 and a corresponding extruded raceway 70. The extrudedraceway 70 is formed integral with the frame 10, more particularly theouter surface 20 of the reveal member 16 and 18, allowing slidableengagement of the mechanical seal 30 having a stem 72. The stem 72 isslidably insertable into the extruded raceway 70 on the frame 10. Or asshown in FIG. 6, the extruded raceway 70 is formed integral with themechanical seal 30 allowing slidable engagement of the frame 10, moreparticularly the outer surface 20 of the reveal member 16 and 18, havinga stem 72. The stem 72 is slidably insertable into the extruded racewayon the mechanical seal 30. The snap-lock fasteners includes variousembodiments, and should not be limited to the embodiment described, suchas a self-locking standing seams 80 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, whereby theframe 10 has a seam 82 for receiving the locking stem 84 on themechanical seal 30, or where the mechanical seal 30 has a seam 82 forreceiving the locking stem 84 on the frame 10. Although the methodsdescribed above are for securement of the mechanical seal 30 to theframe 10, it is contemplated that the same may be used to secure themechanical seal 30 to the window opening 11.

Upon the occurrence of a disaster, a force is exerted upon themechanical seal 30. The force is received within the open end 34 of themechanical joint 30 until it reaches the tapered end 32. If the force issubstantial the joint 30 will expand nominally. Thus the first surface36 and the third surface 38 will no longer be substantially parallel.However, there will not be a breach because the first surface 36 and thethird surface 38 remain abutting the outer surface 20 of the revealmembers 16 and 18 or the outer surface of the bottom wall 14 of theframe 10 and the window opening 11, respectively. The mechanical seal 30is memory shaped and is thus constructed of spring steel, aluminum,plastic, or the like. The mechanical seal 30 is memory shaped so thatwhen a force is not longer acting the mechanical seal 30 it maysubstantially return to an original position whereby the first surface36 and third surface 38 are substantially parallel.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, another water resistant sealant means 31 isposition at the open end 34 of the sealing joint 30. Other waterresistant sealant means such as silicone, etha-foam rod, expanded foam,rubber, closed cell foam, foam filler, or the like may be used.Additionally, between the terminating edge of the high strength glasspanel 26 and the window opening 11 another water resistant sealant means31 is applied.

Although aluminum is preferred material of construction, it iscontemplated that the frame 14, and reinforcement member 60, and mullionstructures 50 may be constructed of composite materials, fiberglass,steel, plastics (such as polypropylene, polyethylene, or the like), orother suitable materials.

All patents and publications mentioned in this specification areindicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which theinvention pertains. All patents and publications are herein incorporatedby reference to the same extent as if each individual publication wasspecifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention isillustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangementherein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in theart that various changes may be made without departing from the scope ofthe invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to whatis shown and described in the specification and any drawings/figuresincluded herein.

One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the presentinvention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain theends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. Theembodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein arepresently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended tobe exemplary and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changestherein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which areencompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by thescope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been describedin connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should beunderstood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited tosuch specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of thedescribed modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious tothose skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of thefollowing claims.

1. A flood barrier system for window openings comprising: a frameconstructed from two sidewalls, a top wall and a bottom wall, said framehaving an outer surface sized for placement within a window opening of abuilding structure and an inner surface defining a viewing aperture,said frame also having a front surface positioned toward an exterior ofsaid building structure and a back surface positioned toward an interiorof said building structure; at least one vertically oriented mechanicalseal securable to said outer surface of said at least one sidewall ofsaid frame member, said mechanical seal positionable between said frameand said window opening of said building structure; and a glass panelsecured to a front surface of said frame; wherein said mechanical sealis capable of expanding upon the presence of flood water pressure forsealing said frame to said building structure.
 2. The flood barriersystem for window openings according to claim 1, wherein said verticallyoriented mechanical seal having a tapered end and an open end, saidtapered end positioned toward an interior of said building structure andsaid open end positioned toward an exterior of said building structure.3. The flood barrier system for window openings according to claim 2,wherein said vertically oriented mechanical seal is memory shaped tomaintain a secure seal between said frame and said window opening. 4.The flood barrier system for window openings according to claim 1,wherein said vertically oriented mechanical seal is securable to saidouter surface of at least one said sidewall of said frame.
 5. The floodbarrier system for window openings according to claim 4, wherein saidvertically oriented mechanical seal extends from a bottom of said windowopening to a height at least 12 inches above the base flood elevationlevel.
 6. The flood barrier system for window openings according toclaim 1, wherein said vertically oriented mechanical seal is securableto said outer surface of each said sidewall of said frame.
 7. The floodbarrier system for window openings according to claim 6, wherein saidvertically oriented mechanical seal extends from a bottom of said windowopening to a height at least 12 inches above the base flood elevationlevel.
 8. The flood barrier system for window openings according toclaim 1, including a horizontally oriented mechanical seal securable tosaid bottom wall of said frame, and positionable between said frame andsaid window opening of a structure.
 9. The flood barrier system forwindow openings according to claim 8, wherein said horizontally orientedmechanical seal extends from a retaining wall to an opposite retainingwall on said window opening.
 10. The flood barrier system for windowopenings according to claim 1, wherein said frame is formed fromextruded aluminum.
 11. The flood barrier system for window openingsaccording to claim 1, wherein said viewing aperture may further includeat least one mullion.
 12. The flood barrier system for window openingsaccording to claim 11, wherein said mullion comprises of a vertical or ahorizontal structure forming a grid-like pattern of various viewingopenings within said viewing aperture.
 13. The flood barrier system forwindow openings according to claim 1, including a reinforcement memberpositioned between said sidewalls of said frame, traversing said viewingaperture, and intersecting said top wall and said bottom wall of saidframe.
 14. The flood barrier system for window openings according toclaim 13, wherein said reinforcement member is formed from extrudedaluminum.
 15. The flood barrier system for window openings according toclaim 1, including a reinforcement member positioned between said topwall and said bottom wall of said frame, traversing said viewingaperture, and intersecting each said reveal members of said frame. 16.The flood barrier system for window openings according to claim 15,wherein said reinforcement member is formed from extruded aluminum. 17.The flood barrier system for window openings according to claim 1,wherein said viewing aperture is on a horizontal plane interposedbetween said inner surface of said sidewalls and said inner surface ofsaid top and bottom wall.
 18. The flood barrier system for windowopenings according to claim 1, includes a water resistant sealantpositioned between said glass panel and said front surface of saidframe.
 19. The flood barrier system for window openings according toclaim 1, includes a gasket positioned between said glass panel and saidfront surface of said frame.
 20. The flood barrier system for windowopenings according to claim 1, wherein said glass panel is a laminatedimpact window.
 21. The flood barrier system for window openingsaccording to claim 18 wherein said mechanical seal is further defined asat least two surfaces forming an open end and a tapered end, saidtapered end having said two surfaces joined together forming an anglethereinbetween.
 22. The flood barrier system for window openingsaccording to claim 1, wherein said glass panel and said mechanical sealis secured to said frame before placement in said window opening. 23.The flood barrier system for window openings according to claim 22,wherein said securement of mechanical seal to frame is by a fastener.24. The flood barrier system for window openings according to claim 22,wherein said securement of mechanical seal to frame is by use of anextruded raceway formed integral with said frame allowing slidableengagement of said mechanical seal having a stem, said stem slidablyinsertable into said extruded raceway of said frame.
 25. The floodbarrier system for window openings according to claim 22, wherein saidsecurement of mechanical seal to frame is by use of an extruded racewayformed integral with said mechanical seal allowing slidable engagementof said frame having a stem, said stem slidably insertable into saidextruded raceway of said mechanical seal.
 26. The flood barrier systemfor window openings according to claim 22, wherein said securement ofmechanical seal to frame is a snap lock fastener.